St Margaret's House Handbook 2021-22

St Margaret’s House Handbook

A handbook for new girls

1

Welcome to St Margaret’s It is with great pleasure that I welcome you as a new member of St Margaret’s House.

Although this booklet has information which is useful for parents, it is principally addressed to you, the young people who will live and work in this your house. I hope you will have time to share this with your parents over the holidays.

Each one of you has her own strengths and weaknesses, and your own unique part to play in the life of this House. As a House we will try to form a community inspired by the words of St Benedict, a community where leadership is given more by example than words (Rule of St Benedict, 2.12); a community where equal respect and love is shown to everyone and the same discipline is applied to all (Rule of St Benedict, 2.22) a community where faults are corrected and love is safeguarded (Rule of St Benedict, Prologue:47); in short, a community where the strong have something to yearn for and the weak have nothing to run from (Rule of St Benedict, 64.19) The girls in St Margaret’s work hard, care for each other, and there is a strong sense of identity, service and support for all those connected with the house. They love one another, and recognise when they should put others first. All girls in St Margaret’s must give their best, academically, and indeed in all of the wonderful opportunities that they have to develop their many talents here in Ampleforth. I know that they will encourage and allow you to do the same.

This booklet should help answer some of the questions that you may have about starting Ampleforth in September. If you have any more questions, or would like to talk to me before you come, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

With prayers and best wishes, Miss Gabrielle Foster

2

St Margaret Clitherow St Margaret was born Margaret Middleton in 1556 in York. She was brought up in the Protestant faith. In 1571 she married a widower John Clitheroe who was a prosperous butcher with two sons. She was only 15 years old. John had a brother William who was a Catholic and later became a priest. It is thought that William influenced Margaret to convert and in 1574 she became a Catholic. Her husband remained a Protestant but supported her in her decision. Margaret was happily married. She spent her days raising her three children and working in her husband’s butcher shop.

This was a time of religious suppression, Catholics were being persecuted and Mass had to be celebrated in secret. Priests moved from place to place to avoid being caught. In 1585 an act of Parliament was established which ensured that all priests who were caught would die a traitor’s death and those found to be harbouring them would also be sentenced to death. A few years after her conversion Margaret began to hide priests.

She knew the risks she was taking but her feelings were clear “By God’s grace all priests shall be more welcome to me than ever they were, and I will do what I can to set forward God’s Catholic service.” She was arrested on a number of occasions but no evidence was found against her.

Finally, in 1586 her home was raided. The priests escaped and Margaret’s family refused to answer any questions. A small boy from Flanders who had been staying with the family became so afraid of the interrogators that he broke down and told them everything. Margaret was arrested and her family never saw her again. She was imprisoned in York Castle and on March 14th Margaret appeared before the judges and was accused of harbouring Jesuit and seminary priests.

When she was asked if she was guilty or not, she replied, “I know of no offence whereof I should confess myself guilty.” After further trial she was sentenced to death.

Margaret met her terrible death on March 25th 1586 in the Tollbooth of the ‘Ouse Bridge in York. A sharp stone was placed in her back and a door laid on top of her. Heavy stones were laid on the door until she was crushed. These were barbaric and cruel times and this was a slow and painful way to die. Her last words were “Jesu! Jesu! Have mercy on me.”

She was canonised on the 25th October 1970 by Pope Paul VI in Rome. St Margaret's story is an extra ordinary example of faith, courage and endurance as well as the more habitual Christian virtues found in family life such a love and fidelity.

3

St Margaret’s House Team Gabrielle Foster Housemistress Email: gsf@ampleforth.org.uk 01439 766749

As your Housemistress I take an interest in everything that you do. I shall try to find out about your academic studies, your games and your other commitments. If you have a concern then I, or one of the staff who works with me, will help you to resolve it. You will find that I am often in my study on the ground floor of the house. If the door is open you are welcome to come in. If the door is closed, please knock before entering. It is very seldom closed!

Your parents will probably find that your Housemistress is a good link to your teachers and tutor. If they are worried about you in any respect I am likely to be the person they contact– so please make sure that I am up-to-date with what is going on in your life! If your teachers are worried about you they are likely to speak to me or your tutor. If you have a problem in class, are behind in your work, or other similar problems do make sure that you talk to your tutor or myself. Remember we are here to help you– but you make the job much easier by being open and honest with us. We also want to hear of all the good things you are engaged in and all your successes and the fun things.

If you are unwell or have met with an accident of some kind you should come and find me or the Assistant Housemistress or the Matron. You should never be afraid in a genuine crisis to wake me in the night.

Moragh Robinshon House Matron Email: Moragh.Robinson@ampleforth.org.uk 01439 766859

Moragh is our Matron. She will help you settle into the House if you are feeling homesick.

She will help you to keep track of your clothes and will ensure that new clothes and games kit are labelled provided that you hand them into her in good time. She will take you to hospital if you injure yourself or need to see a specialist– in general she will do many of the things which your mother might do to help you at home. She is also responsible for looking after all the domestic arrangements in the House and often organises special events in the House. In the normal course of events, all medications should be handed in to Joanne who will liaise with the college infirmary about your medical needs. You should not keep medications in your room.

4

Jasmine Howard Assistant Housemistress Email: Jasmine.Howard@ampleforth.org.uk

The Assistant Housemistress is an essential part of the running of the house. Our Assistant Housemistress is Miss Howard. She is on duty on a number of nights each week and for the whole day on a Wednesday. Miss Howard will tutor Year 9 next year, but she will have an important role for all of the girls in the house and is much loved.

Fr Kentigern Hagan OSB House Chaplain Email: kentigern@ampleforth.org.uk

The House Chaplain plays a vital role in the spiritual welfare of all in St Margaret’s. Fr Kentigern prays with us on an evening, celebrates Mass in the House on a Thursday, sings Compline with us on a Friday evening and prays the Rosary with us on a Sunday evening. He accompanies the girls and staff in the house in our spiritual growth and goes above and beyond in his prayer and service to all. He is available to parents too and is always delighted to receive prayer requests.

Tutors The tutors assist the Housemistress in caring for the House on one evening each week. Each girl is assigned to one of the tutorial team whose role it is to monitor her academic work.

The tutor meets with his/her tutor group every week and with the girls individually. The tutor reports back to the Housemistress and parents. He/she is happy to meet with your parents when they visit and update them on your progress.

Mrs Maaike Carter

mbc@ampleforth.org.uk

Miss Jasmine Howard

Jasmine.Howard@ampleforth.org.uk

Year 10

Dr Alastair Dunn

ajd@ampleforth.org.uk

Year 11

Mrs Clare Moses

cm@ampleforth.org.uk

Mr Connor Rutter

Connor.Rutter@ampleforth.org.uk

Year 9

Year 12

Year 13

Mrs Helen McKell Dr Christopher Vowles Mme Anne Le Gall

hcm@ampleforth.org.uk Christopher.Vowles@ampleforth.org.uk Anne.LeGall@ampleforth.org.uk 5

Monitors The Head of House and other School Monitors are senior girls who are chosen to serve the House in the coming year. They are chosen for their virtuous living and wise teaching. These two qualities matter much more than whether they are sporting heroes or superb academics, although often they are these too. You can turn to them for advice and guidance and comfort like older sisters.

Their job inevitably has a bit to do with organising things in the house, but this is not the most important part of their task. We expect them to set an example of good behaviour and kindness and we hope that they will be individuals that you can turn to for advice or help if there is a problem in your life which you do not think needs the immediate help of the housemistress or other adults.

I hope that you will find the senior girls to be welcoming and friendly-but try not to be over-friendly in a way which they may find to be cheeky. We all show some respect to those who are older and more experienced than ourselves and this usually leads to a good and helpful relationship-this is the relationship you should seek.

The role of monitor can be seen as similar to a dean, defined in the Rule of St Benedict: “Deans (Monitors) selected should be the kind of people with whom the abbot (Housemaster/mistress) can confidently share the burdens of office, they are chosen for virtuous living and wise teaching, not for their rank. If a dean is found to be puffed with pride, they are to be reproved once, twice and even a third time. Should they refuse to amend, they must be removed from office.

They must always remember what their title signifies and act as a leader should. They must point out to others all that is good and holy more by example than by words.”

I am sure that you will find the monitors as people that you can turn to, and that some will become good friends.

Cecilia Wishart

Head of House

Anna Scott

Deputy Head of House

Zara Mayer

School Chaplaincy Monitor

Ella von Garmissen

House Catechist

Cicely Craston

Head of School

6

Day Girls All day girls in St Margaret’s will have a place to work and keep their belongings. I very much hope that you will join us each day for as long as possible so that you become familiar with the routines of the House and get to know new friends. Throughout the year there will be every opportunity to join weekend social events and trips and I would encourage you to try to participate as much as possible. The more you give the more you will receive.

Every morning you should come to the house before going to class so that I am able to see you and keep an accurate record of attendance. I will ask you to see us to sign in first thing in the morning and sign out before you return home. This is an essential fire regulation. It would be wonderful to see you for breakfast at 7.45am but I realise this is not always possible. You must sign in BEFORE 8.20 so I can complete the register accurately.

Ampleforth offers a huge variety of activities and I would encourage you to make as much of these as possible even if it means staying later than usual. Those day girls who are the happiest are those who really take part and join the House for as many events as possible.

On Sunday all the boarders attend Mass in the Abbey Church. I would be particularly delighted to see you and your parents there from time to time.

7

Arrival at St Margaret’s Daily Routine 7:30am-8:30am

Morning Prayer and breakfast

8:40am

Lessons begin

10:25am

Break time

10:50am

Lessons continue

12:35 – 1:00pm

House lunch (formal lunch in the refectory)

1:10 – 2:00pm

Check-in and Quiet time (in the house)

1:50–3:45pm

Games/Activities/Lessons

3.45–4:10pm

Afternoon tea break

4:55–6:20pm

Activities & Supper (House supper)

6:20pm

Check-in and prep

9:00pm

Evening Prayer

from 9:30pm

Bedtimes for each year group

The routine can change from time to time depending on activities and the seasons but you will be told of these in advance. There are no lessons on Saturday afternoon as all students are involved in Games fixtures or activities. On a Saturday all students are to be back in houses by 10:15pm. There are different curfew times for Juniors and Seniors.

Clothing The admissions office will supply you with a list of clothes and other essential items. Most of you will have pre ordered your games kit. Anything that has been forgotten can be purchased at school when term starts.

Your laundry will go once a week to the central laundry where the turnover is usually just over one day. So, for example if our laundry goes to be washed on a Tuesday evening it will be returned on Thursday so you will need sufficient clothes to cover 9 to 10 days. Some girls may wish to do some of their own washing in the house. You will need to provide a duvet and duvet covers.

YOU NEED TO NAME EVERYTHING YOU BRING TO SCHOOL CLEARLY Name tapes are a vital piece of equipment so please bring plenty, preferably with the school number as well as your name. Mending and name taping should be arranged with Moragh. If an item of clothing does not return from the laundry, please see Moragh who will help you track it down. This is considerably easier if you have properly name taped your belongings.

You will find it essential to buy a desk lamp.

8

First Year Dormitories The amount of space in the first year dormitory is limited so please do not bring too many things.

Mobile Phone Policy If you have a mobile phone you must give me the number of that phone. Remember that you must not have mobile phones in class neither should you be speaking on a mobile during prep times. Mobile phones are handed in and locked away during the day and at bedtime when you are in years 9 and 10.

Meals All meals may be taken in the school refectories, and formal lunch for the House is taken there every day.

In addition there is a kitchen in the House. Bread for toast and sandwiches is always available along with milk, coffee/tea, squash, cereals and various spreads. Treats are quite often provided by matron including home baking which the girls are invited to help with.

Illness In the event of illness either the Housemistress or matron will make the necessary provision via the infirmary, including a doctor’s appointment if necessary. All medication is to be kept with matron for safe keeping.

Health & Safety A weekly fire check is carried out. You are reminded of the necessity to keep your room tidy and free of paper litter. All electrical appliances (e.g. hair dryer, chargers) must be PAT tested when you arrive at school and charged to your account.

Prep Times Prep is undertaken in the house library or your own room where you are able to work quietly and undisturbed. During study periods you will work in Big Study or if a Sixth former, you may be allowed to work in the house, school library or in your room, whichever is more convenient.

9

Money Matters ‘Chits’ (Housemaster’s/ Housemistress’ order forms) may be used to buy items such as books and stationery from the College shop. These are then charged to the termly account. In addition Matron also provides a service for toiletries and personal hygiene items which must be paid for as required. She can also arrange for any dry cleaning to be done, for which payment is added to the termly account. Any damage which you may cause in your room is also charged to your parent’s account with a note that this was damage which you caused!

Quiet Time The routine at Ampleforth is very demanding, and so it is extremely important that everyone in the House gets sufficient rest and sleep. Out of consideration for all, everyone should be in her own room and quiet by their year’s bedtime. All must be quiet by 10:15pm. Similarly, early risers are asked not to disturb others before 7:00am. Headphones are a must for listening to music.

House Rules There are a number of jobs which are done to help the smooth running of the House and I will allocate one of these to you each term. This is your service to the House, make sure you do it faithfully and well.

Safeguarding Your safety and happiness are very important to us. You will get to know a broad range of staff who you will form positive relationships with and who you should feel comfortable talking to if you have a problem or a concern. Usually this will be members of your House Team such as your Housemistress, your Assistant Housemistress, your Matron, your Tutor or your House Chaplain. There is also a central designated safeguarding team who you are always welcome to speak to also. Posters with their names and faces on will be put up on your boarding house noticeboard along with their contact details also. Dr Dunn is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

COVID-19 There might be special arrangements in place to help us to keep you as safe as possible. I will go through all of these with you when you first arrive. We will support you and there will always be plenty of people to talk to at any time.

10

Further Questions?

Do contact me (gsf@ampleforth.org.uk), matron (Moragh.robinson@ampleforth.org.uk) or your tutor (contact details as outlined above) if we can do anything to support you. We are really looking forward to welcoming you to the Valley in September!

11

St Margaret’s House Ampleforth College York YO62 4EX

12